There are practices carried out at home, specific to certain cultures, and other practices which are upheld almost universally. None of these practices are classical Feng Shui remedies, but they can be rooted in good Feng Shui principles. This is because Feng Shui principles encourage whatever it takes for a home to nurture the occupants’ well-being, health and success. We actively seek to avoid situations or circumstances which can drain or irritate family members.

Removing shoes when entering the home

Removing the shoes is done for more than one reason and some people think it helps keep the house cleaner.  Others adhere to this for spiritual reasons, symbolically and energetically leaving the outside world behind and to be mindful of making the home more of a retreat. From a feng shui standpoint, you may honor your home, as well as your house mates, by this respectful practice and as a reminder to be peaceful and less worldly when at home.

Displaying spiritual symbols and art

Most religions celebrate their beliefs with meaningful symbols: from imagery of spiritual teachers, to the religion’s abstract symbol of affiliation. Jews may place a Mezuzah at doorway frames like the Chinese use talismans, posted to door frames and walls, as sigils for protection and family harmony. Though subjective, these symbols can make people feel good and even if they are placebos, there is value in that. Many believe the objects exert energetic powers and that is simpatico to Feng Shui remedies, which can work on both objective and subjective levels.

Kids Sharing a Bedroom

There are spacious homes where there are enough bedrooms for each child to have their own bedroom, and yet some parents choose to have their kids share a bedroom. This can help children learn how to share space and be more considerate of others. From a feng shui standpoint, this could also help a child bond more with their sibling and ward off loneliness if there are other non-obvious indications that the bedroom could cause isolation.

Placing Salt, Rice or Chalk Under the Bed

There are a number of cultures which recommend placing these or similar items under a bed in order to fend off arthritic conditions.  This practice is time-tested and should not be construed as superstitious.  Salt, dry rice, and chalk help absorb moisture and this could definitely improve aches and pains which are often worsened in a damp environment.

Space Clearing

Some cultures partake of space clearing rituals as part of their home-based meditation altar and religious practices. They may also do various things periodically, like burning sage or lighting incense, in order to clear the space of lingering negative energies.  These techniques have their value; I would just replace the practice of incense burning for something which does not release toxic chemicals into the air.  While it is a long-standing tradition in many cultures to burn incense, including rituals of ancestor worship, I would still caution against the commercially-made incense that has chemicals added to it. That could not be considered “good feng shui” for obvious reasons.

Lighting aromatic candles can instill charm, romance, ambience, and spiritual joy. From a feng shui standpoint, we just want to steer the candle burning to an area of the house where the actual fire element can have a good influence on the flying stars.

Food preparation

All cultures have holiday food and traditional cooking, including meals that are specifically made at home, by and for just the family and friends. The kitchen used to be called the “hearth of the home” and the central gathering area.  The home ideally has good feng shui and home-made meals, made with love and shared for celebrations, is done with the same intention, which supports family members.

Music

Each culture has their traditional music, and while there is nothing inherently superior about any genre, music in the home can have the same positive influence on family members as the happy memories anchored in festive foods and decorations. Although not recommended routinely in a feng shui audit, high vibrational mantra music played in the home can work as a type of feng shui space clearing. Additionally, the sound of metal chimes and the sound from metallic stringed instruments can also work to disperse the negative Qi of the untimely flying star 5.

Moving In Rituals

Many cultures have their specific move-in practices, to help initiate good luck and health for the new occupants. Cleaning, sage burning, and prayers often accompany the ideal time to move in, determined through astrology calculations. Inviting guests over for a meal or a “house-warming” party are popular ways to set the tone for moving in. An old tradition in Russian culture is to let a cat pass through the front door first, believing that the cat, as a spiritual creature, can work like a shaman or priest to bless the home.

Choosing an ideal date to move in is a very popular Feng Shui practice, under the category of Date Selection, which also includes best timing for starting a construction, remodel or landscaping project.

Author: Kartar Diamond

Company: Feng Shui Solutions ®

From the Frequent Client Questions Blog Series